Gift #275- His Outstretched Arms

My mom used to sing a duet in church with her friend Judy Brock titled Ten Thousand Angels.  I always loved hearing it and I remember being struck by the words of the chorus each time.  It is more than amazing to know that Jesus had the power to call ten thousand angels to set him free.  But he chose to take the pain and the nails and the suffering.  On this Good Friday, I am so thankful for the cross.  If it were not for the cross, we would not have the empty tomb and the forgiveness and hope that it brings.

They bound the hands of Jesus in the garden where he prayed

they led him through the street in shame.

They spat upon the Savior so pure and free from sin.

they said crucify him he's to blame.

He could have called ten thousand angels

to destroy the world and set him free.

He could have called ten thousand angels

but He died alone for you and me.

Upon His precious head they placed a crown of thorns

they laughed and said behold the king.

They struck Him and they cursed Him and mocked His holy name

and all alone He suffered everything.

He could have called ten thousand angels

to destroy the world and set him free.

He could have called ten thousand angels

but He died alone for you and me.

Gift #264- Japanese Cherry Blossoms

The Cherry Blossoms are in full bloom!  This is a beautiful time of year in Iwakuni.  My friend Sarah took this picture today down by the Kintai Bridge.

Gift #263- A Japanese Egg Hunt!

Miyu showing me her happy face.

This little guy is new to our class.  His smile melts my heart.  You should have seen his little face when he tried the sour sweet tarts!  

Aoi is one of my favorite students.  He is always quick to give me high fives and hugs!

We had an egg hunt at with my Japanese preschoolers yesterday!  It was so much fun and will make such a wonderful memory of our time here in Iwakuni.

Gift #262- Acorns!

I was out on a walk a few weeks back and found some acorns in a neighbors yard.  For some reason, I felt drawn to pick them up and put them in my pockets!  I don't have the best memory, but I have one very distinct memory from childhood and it involves acorns!  When I was little, I used to sit out in my front yard and wait for my dad to come home for lunch.  We had a big acorn tree right out front and when I wasn't sitting in my little metal framed lawn chair, I was collecting acorns!  I remember getting so excited when I would see my dad drive up!  It has been almost 35 years, but I would still be so excited to see my dad drive up!

Gift #261- Meals delivered to my door from very sweet friends

I think that Macy must have told her piano teacher (who is also our chaplains wife) that I had been a little tired lately and that she had to eat ramen two times last week for dinner.  She also knew that Hank was away and, I guess,  thought that I could use a little help.  She got busy and asked some ladies from the church to make a few meals.  We have had three home-cooked meals from sweet ladies in our church over the last week.  One of the ladies asked me if I had any cravings.  I told her Chick-fil-a!  So on top of the authentic Filipino meal that she made for us, she tried to recreate a Chick-fil-a Sandwich!  It was delicious.  When Rebecca (the organizer) told me that some of the church ladies would be bringing meals, my first instinct was to say "no-thank you".  But Rebecca (the organizer) wouldn't hear of it.  So instead I have just said a very sincere and heartfelt "thank you".  Such kindness is so overwhelming and is such a gift.

Gift #260- An After-School Surprise

Check out the fun Easter surprise that the kids will find after school.  They will be so excited!  Tony Hawk and Hello Kitty T-shirts, Nerds, Peeps, Jelly Beans, and Reese's!  Does it get any better?  I think not!  Even better than the gifts themselves is being thought of!  Thank you Mimi for thinking of us.  Thanks for remembering your son's love for Reese's Peanut Butter Cups and sending two bags!  We will do our best to follow your instructions in the card to "please share".   Since you know that I am having some cravings, you were probably talking to me huh?  :)  Thanks again.  The kids will be in heaven when they get home today!

Gift #259- My Karate Kid

Just when I thought this little girl couldn't get any cuter- she puts on a karate belt and does it again!

Gift #258- Finding the Perfect Match

Sorry Ladies.  As of today, my brother Pat, is officially off the market.  He tied the knot this morning.  He is now the Mr. in Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Randall.  Congratulations Pat and Jennifer.  May God bless you as you begin your wonderful new life together as a family!

Gift #257- My Birthday Boy Nephews

Happy 4th Birthday Little Tyler and 7th Birthday Big Noah!  We love you so much and miss you so much!  The two of you are such amazing and perfect gifts! 

Gift #256- A Cuddly Kid

One is never lonely if they have a Sam!

Gift #255- Having my very own Yard Guy!